Hookup fees increased for out-of-town residents

September 07, 2005|by ERIN CUNNINGHAM

SMITHSBURG - The Smithsburg Town Council voted Tuesday to increase water and sewer hookup fees for out-of-town users. They also approved an ordinance that in most situations would require residents who want to use the town's water and sewer to be annexed into the town.

Both ordinances were approved 5-0.

The new hookup fees will cost out-of-town users an additional $6,500 for access to the town's water and sewer services. These users now pay $7,400 to tap into the town's lines. Under the new ordinance, they will pay $7,000 for water and $6,900 for sewer. Water rates will stay the same.

Hookup costs for town residents will not change.

Mayor Mildred "Mickey" Myers said the rate increase was needed years ago, and that town residents have been paying more than their share.

"It's making sure everyone is paying their share," she said. "The town citizens have been paying the difference for this."

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Town officials also voted to require that in most cases, residents who want to tap into the town's water and sewer lines, but live outside of town limits, would be required to sign an annexation agreement.